Self Studying APUSH without textbook

Alright guys, I know it sounds like suicide at this point but I’ve taken regular USH at my school (No Honors, only CP and AP) for the last two years, and have had relatively zero struggles in the course. I didn’t qualify for APUSH I because I didn’t meet one of the many criteria Freshman year, and so I didn’t qualify for APUSH II.</p>

USH is one of my best subjects and I’ve decided to get an AP Review book (REA: All Access) to read to take the SAT Subject test. I figured that with all this preparation, I can practice DBQs and FRQs for the next 5 months along with reading this AP review book before the AP tests and take the AP test.</p>

Would this be possible to do this without reading the textbook? I talked to my USH teacher and he says that I could definitely do well on the SAT Subject Test but the biggest obstacle would be learning to write DBQs. He also said that if I started reading an APUSH textbook now, I wouldn’t be able to retain much information (as I’d have to cram a 2 year AP course into 5 months).</p>

I’m also taking 3 APs this year (from 0 APs last year) and can’t dedicate an enormous amount of time, which is what makes the review book appealing. Can I do it? Any tips? Scoring a 4/5 would be difficult, but I’m up for the challenge.</p>

Thank you all!</p>

<p>You can definitely score a 5. Look at reviews on amazon and choose whichever seems best. PR/5Steps/AMSCO are all good, others like Kaplan/Barrons are ok. Study diligently and learn how to write FRQ’s & DBQ’s.</p>

<p>You should NEVER buy a textbook to self-study, waste of money. Use a review book, 2-3 at most.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>try buying an AP review book. those things do wonders</p>

<p>Highly recommend AP US History: The Essential Content by Larry Krieger. This book will prepare you for both the AP and the SAT subject test at the same time. Make sure to skip ahead to Chapter 45 and Chapter 46 which teach how to write a DBQ, how to answer the FRQ’s and HOW TO USE AP CENTRAL (tons of free resources).</p>

<p>I agree with the earlier posters, a textbook is a waste of your precious time. Krieger’s book covers everything you need for both tests.</p>